Raising Goats for Meat and Milk in West Africa.

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Raising goats for meat and milk is one of the lucrative livestock business opportunity in West Africa. There are numerous opportunities in the livestock industry in West Africa and, by extension, across Africa. The West African population has greatly influenced the demand for animal protein over the years. The West African economy though saddled with challenges, including unemployment, economic growth and inflation requires the provision of food and animal protein for the teeming population.  It is therefore necessary to search for locally produced, relatively cheaper alternative sources of meat to meet the ever-increasing demand for animal protein. West Africa hosts a sizeable livestock population. As reported, about 25 per cent of the cattle, 33 per cent of the sheep, 40 per cent of the goats and 20 per cent of the camels of the entire sub-Saharan Africa are raised in this area. Goat meat has over the years finds its way into the delicacies of an average West African home although there are cheaper sources of animal protein. This distinction is primarily based on the nutrition and delicious nature of goat meat.

Why Goat Farming in West Africa?

Some of the benefits of goat farming include:

1. Goats are resilient animals. They thrive in arid and semi-arid conditions, adapt easily to various terrains, and require less feed than cattle.
2. In many West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso, among others, goat meat (chevon) is a cultural staple and a high-demand protein source. Goat milk, though less common, is gaining popularity for its health benefits and nutritional value.
3. Goats are generally raised for their production capacity of milk, meat, hair and skins.
4. The demand of goat milk, meat, hair and skins is very high in the global market.
5. The skin of goats is a very good source of leather, which can be used to make bags, shoes and other leather materials.
6. Goat milk is also very nutritious and good for consumption. It is used in the cosmetic industry to make body creams. Goat offal is also used in the pharmaceutical industry.
7. Goats grow fast and become suitable for slaughtering within a year.
8.  Diseases are less in goats.
9. Labour, feeding and other costs are less in commercial goat farming.
10. Commercial goat farming can be a great source of employment for the unemployed educated youths and women.

Important Points to note when Raising Goats for Meat and Milk

1. Choosing the Right Breed

There are different goat breeds. The choice of breed determines the quality of meat, milk yield, and resilience against disease. For West African conditions, the under-listed breeds are considered popular:

West African Dwarf (WAD): They are known for their hardiness (ruggedness) and disease resistance, especially against trypanosomiasis (Sleeping sickness). They are also good for meat and moderate milk production. 

West African Dwarf Goat

Source: depositphotos

Sahelian Goats: They generally have larger body size, suitable for meat. They thrive in arid zones.

Red Sokoto (Maradi): They are highly prized for their meat quality and skin. They are prolific and largely adaptable to varied environmental conditions.

Red Sokoto Goat

Source: West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program

Boer Goat (exotic): They are high in meat yield and rapid growth. This breed requires more management but is highly profitable with the right care.

Saanen (dairy breeds): This breed is high milk producers but less heat-tolerant. They are ideal for crossbreeding. Crossbreeding local and exotic breeds can produce goats that are both hardy and productive.

Saanen goat.

Source: Wikipedia

2. Housing and Farm Setup

An efficient housing system makes management easier and helps the farmer to successfully rear goats to market weight in the shortest possible time. Goats at different stages of growth need different temperatures. If they are to produce and grow to their maximum potential, kids need special protection against very low temperatures. Growing and reproducing goats must also be protected against high temperatures. The houses must therefore be built in such a way that the goats are protected against extreme temperatures and other bad weather conditions such as cold winds and continuous rain. Goats are generally vulnerable to respiratory diseases if kept in damp, poorly ventilated spaces. According to FAO, a low cost, simple, elevated wooden or concrete platform with a thatched or metal roof can suffice and will ensure that there is:

1. Proper drainage: Goats dislike wet environments.
2. Ventilation: Fresh air prevents disease.
3. Space: About 1.5–2 square meters per goat.
4. Security: Protect from predators and thieves.

There is need to also add separate pens for breeding, kidding (birthing), and sick goats. If you’re starting small for example, a backyard with proper fencing can be a great pilot project.

Goat Housing

Source: Pinterest

3. Feeding for Growth and Productivity

Feed cost, which is the major operating cost, is relatively cheap for goats. Goats prefer shrubs, leaves, and weeds over grass. This makes them easy to feed in rural and peri-urban areas.

Basic feeding tips:

Forage: Leucaena, Gliricidia, and Moringa leaves are nutritious and should be readily available.

Crop residues: Maize husks, cassava peels, and groundnut haulms are affordable and effective.

Supplements: Provide salt licks and mineral blocks.

Water: Clean, fresh water daily is non-negotiable, especially for lactating does.

If you want faster growth and higher milk yield, you may consider formulating balanced rations or buying commercial goat feed, especially during dry seasons.

4. Breeding Management

A planned breeding strategy ensures steady stock and quality animals. Goats reach sexual maturity between 6 and 8 months, but it’s best to start breeding around 10–12 months for better results. 

Some breeding tips are hereunder listed:

1. Maintain a buck-to-doe ratio of 1:20.
2. Avoid inbreeding by rotating or buying bucks from other farms.
3. Breed during favourable seasons (rainy season usually offers abundant feed).
4. Practice controlled breeding and keep records for genetics and productivity.

Gestation lasts about five months. With good care; management and timely mating, a doe can give birth to twins or triplets twice a year which is generally a huge boost for meat and milk production!

5. Health and Disease Management

If goats suffer from disease, they either lose appetite, reduce production in terms of poor feed to meat conversion, produce less milk, and in extreme cases die. In most cases the profitability of each goat is greatly reduced or even results in a net loss for the entire project. Thus, it is of paramount importance to maintain rigid management procedures to safeguard goats from disease. Goats are generally hardy, but prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure. It is important to work closely with a local vet or livestock extension officer to develop a health plan.

Some common threats and diseases include:

PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants): It is a viral disease and its treatment is to vaccinate against it annually.

Worms: Regular deworming procedure every 3 months will prevent its attack on your herd.

Bloat: Cause by overeating. The frontal legs of goat should be held and massaged in left flank of belly.

Foot rot, pneumonia, diarrhoea: It can be prevented with hygiene and dry bedding.

External parasites: The control of  ticks and mites can be achieved with medicated dips or sprays.

It is important to always quarantine new or sick animals and ensure proper vaccination schedules.

A goat suffering from PPR

Source: FAO

6. Milking for Profits

Dairy goats are usually milked twice daily. For dairy goats, hygiene and cleanliness is critical. It is important to sanitize udders and milking tools to prevent mastitis.

Goat milk has a rich market due to its digestibility and low allergenic properties. It is ideal for:

1. Direct sales in form of fresh milk, especially in urban centres.
2. Value addition in producing products like cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and goat milk soap.
3. Nutritional programs in schools, hospitals, and wellness markets.
4. Marketing Goat Products

To succeed in goat farming, it is vital to understand the market dynamics and explore markets beyond your vicinity or community. Goat marketing is where the real money in goat farming is made. The following channels can be explored:

1. Local markets and abattoirs: This is applicable for the open market where there is constant demand for goat meat, especially around festivals and holidays.
2. Restaurants and hotels: These markets often offer premium meat cuts.
3. Urban households: Utilise the social media to deliver fresh goat milk or meat strategically through WhatsApp, social media, or neighbourhood cooperatives as example.
4. Export: Work with government agencies to understand regulations if targeting regional or overseas markets. This may require some form of value addition, food safety certifications and global best practices.

Ultimately, you need to be innovative in branding your farm, sharing your story, and using attractive packaging. 

Scaling Up Goat Farming Enterprise

As you grow and the population of your herd increases, you may consider diversifying into:

1. Goat breeding: Sell improved kids (young goats) to new farmers.
2. Training: Offer farm tours, training programmes and workshops.
3. Feed production: Package and sell formulated goat feed.
4. By-products: Process goat manure into organic fertiliser.
5. Technology: The use of sensors and digital tools for effective and efficient management. You may also utilise agritech platforms for digital sales, logistics, and veterinary support.

Smart Monitoring Systems

Source: AgriFarming

Final Reflections

Goat farming in West Africa can be achieved as a smart business using digital tools, a community development tool, and a path to food security. Starting with a few goats, you can build a sustainable and profitable enterprise with careful planning, proper animal care, and creative marketing.

The demand for highly nutritious goat meat is gaining momentum in West Africa and the entire continent. Starting your goat farming journey today can be a major milestone towards contributing to food security.